Modern Evolutionary Economics - Softcover

Nelson, Richard R.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1108446191 ISBN 13: 9781108446198

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2018

Synopsis

Evolutionary economics sees the economy as always in motion with change being driven largely by continuing innovation. This approach to economics, heavily influenced by the work of Joseph Schumpeter, saw a revival as an alternative way of thinking about economic advancement as a result of Richard Nelson and Sidney Winter's seminal book, An Evolutionary Theory of Economic Change, first published in 1982. In this long-awaited follow-up, Nelson is joined by leading figures in the field of evolutionary economics, reviewing in detail how this perspective has been manifest in various areas of economic inquiry where evolutionary economists have been active. Providing the perfect overview for interested economists and social scientists, readers will learn how in each of the diverse fields featured, evolutionary economics has enabled an improved understanding of how and why economic progress occurs.

About this title

Book Description

Evolutionary economics sees the economy as always in motion with change being driven largely by continuing innovation. In this long-awaited book, leading figures in the field provide an overview of the evolutionary perspective, and of the empirical research it has guided.

Review

'An excellent summary of what has been achieved in the field of evolutionary economics. I would hope that this book would be read by scholars steeped in 'neoclassical' economics and make them appreciate the power and potential of this scholarship.' Joel Mokyr, Northwestern University, Illinois

'The publication of this clear and comprehensive introduction to the evolutionary dynamics of modern capitalism could not be more timely. The nature, causes and consequences of economic change are at the heart of current debates about the nature of capitalism, its virtues and vices locally, nationally and globally. This work draws on a wealth of economic thinking, old and new, to elucidate the primary role of innovation to the economic process and I can think of no better introduction to the pervasive and incessant role of human creativity to the operation of capitalism as an ordered but far from equilibrium system.' J. S. Metcalfe, Emeritus Professor, University of Manchester

'Nelson and Winter's 1982 book on evolutionary economics was one of the most influential economic publications of recent decades, with an immense impact on neighbouring social sciences. Now, 35 years on, Nelson and other leading scholars examine how, in a rapidly changing world, evolutionary economics helps us understand the role of technological advance, the evolution of firm capabilities and behaviour, the nature of Schumpeterian competition and industrial dynamics, long-run economic development and the process of 'catching up' by developing economics. These analyses, along with the challenges set out in the final chapter, provide the framework for the continuing development of evolutionary economics over coming decades.' Ben Martin, University of Sussex

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2018
• ISBN 10: 1108446191
• ISBN 13: 9781108446198
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 286